Rainwater storage and distribution system

ABSTRACT

The Rainbank is a rain distribution system that provides a cost-effective alternative to the collection and distribution of rainwater for municipalities. The Rainbank includes temporary storage capacity using a disposable flexible bag acting as a container to capture and collect rainwater and alleviate burdens on municipal water treatment works. The bag is protected in a simple, easy-to-manufacture, foldable structure. The structure allows for a distant overflow feature, a locking mechanism, filters, debris protection, and easy access to and removal of the bag. A thick, rigid backboard can also be slid into the bag to alleviate strain on the support structure. The fixed structure also can be closed between use periods to protect the system, help reduce the impact of the system on the environment, and allow the surface area grass below the support structure to regenerate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present patent application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/089,266, filed Aug. 15, 2008, entitled Rainwater Storage and Distribution System, which prior application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a rainwater collection, storage, and distribution system (“the Rainbank”) connected to a residential or commercial structure. The structure has a top surface where rain falls, and the top surface is connected to gutter systems for removal of rainwater. More specifically, the present invention relates to an easy-to-manufacture distribution system with a flexible and disposable bag mounted inside of a rigid shell.

BACKGROUND

Rainfalls is variable from place to place. Some locations, such as deserts, have infrequent rainfalls. When weather conditions finally bring moisture to these locations, the precipitations are often violent. The dry ground in these locations, such as an area made of sand, is incapable of absorbing and retaining locally needed water. Rain transits thought the dry area and the area returns to drought condition quickly. Further, as a consequence of its recent evaporation, rainwater is often free of debris and pollution and may be useful water for human consumption or auxiliary uses such as for gardening or collection in a pool.

Rain falls to the ground, where it is eventually absorbed or reaches the water table and can later be collected for use. The typical urban landscape is almost entirely covered with impermeable surfaces, such as cement, asphalt, or compacted earth. In a heavy rainstorm, rainwater that should be absorbed into the water table below ground remains at the surface and flows via gravity into municipal sewer systems or local watersheds, negatively impacting both the environment and water management infrastructure. When falling on impermeable surfaces, water tends to travel fast and may create large and unmanageable flows following a storm, which leaves municipalities vulnerable to both drought and flash flooding.

Rain collection systems serves as a surge protection mechanism during large storm events. They provide means of retaining (or “banking”) rainwater runoff following a storm, thereby reducing the amount of untreated storm water that enters area lakes and rivers. The increased water retention can also reduce the amount of standing water that accumulates on streets throughout a community when the rainfall exceeds the combined storm sewer capacity, which can help control mosquito populations. Further, water banked in the systems can be used for gardening, filling in pools, or even washing cars, thus reducing the capacity requirements on municipal water systems.

Environmental impacts of excess rainwater can be mitigated using rain collection systems. In many municipalities, the local watershed and groundwater table are not adequately recharged because the municipality discharges the rainwater along with treated sewage. The rainwater is then conveyed away from the municipality, losing an important input to the local watershed. In surges, the ecosystem can be severely impacted by the dirt, debris, chemicals, and other pollutants that are picked up as storm water flows across the various surfaces where contaminants are commonly found. Therefore, municipalities either spend money to treat rainwater along with effluent and then discharge the treated water remotely from its source or allow contaminated rainwater to negatively impact the quality of the local ecosystem.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show two related types of rainwater collection systems known in the marketplace. FIG. 1 is a large, cylindrical, flexible polymer container with vertical openings where metal rods are inserted vertically to give the container support when it is empty of water. The cover is closed using a flexible lid equipped with a zipper. Water travels via gravity down from an existing gutter and downspout directly onto the cover and drains into the container. This system is bulky, is aesthetically undesirable around residential areas, and is subject to weather degradations over periods of years. FIG. 2 shows a similar system with a conical configuration. These systems are fixed and heavy and require installation, maintenance, and dedicated space. When made of polymer, these systems are vulnerable to punctures and leakage. What is needed is a simple-to-manufacture, low-cost rain collection system that can be installed and repaired easily, a system that may be puncture proof or resistant, that can be enabled or disabled depending on weather conditions, and is aesthetically pleasing.

SUMMARY

The Rainbank is a rain distribution system that provides a cost-effective alternative to the collection and distribution of rainwater for municipalities. The Rainbank includes temporary storage capacity using a disposable flexible bag acting as a container to capture and collect rainwater and alleviate burdens on municipal water treatment works. The bag is protected in a simple, easy-to-manufacture, foldable structure. The structure allows for a distant overflow feature, a locking mechanism, filters, debris protection, and easy access to and removal of the bag. A thick, rigid backboard can also be slid into the bag to alleviate strain on the support structure. The fixed structure also can be closed between use periods to protect the system, help reduce the impact of the system on the environment, and allow the surface area grass below the support structure to regenerate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present disclosure are believed to be novel and are set forth with particularity in the appended claim. The disclosure may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figures that employ like reference numerals identify like elements.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a device from the prior art.

FIG. 2 is another illustration of a second device from the prior art.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a Rainbank alongside a structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a close-up isometric view of the Rainbank according to another embodiment with a partly open top flap and a debris mesh.

FIG. 5 is a functional diagram of a downspout or a gutter end of a residential or commercial gutter system as placed within a filter bag within the Rainbank according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a functional diagram in side view of the Rainbank of FIG. 1 with a support panel inserted to support a collection bag according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a board for the support panel with cut lines for a plurality of Rainbanks according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of the rigid structure of the Rainbank in an open and operative configuration with an open flap according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of the rigid structure of the Rainbank of FIG. 8A in a closed and inoperative configuration with an open flap according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the flexible bag with a pocket for a rigid panel and a partly inserted support panel for insertion into the rigid structure as shown in FIG. 8A according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an aerial view of a house with four Rainbanks and the rainwater distribution system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is not limited to the particular details of the apparatus depicted, and other modifications and applications may be contemplated. Further changes may be made in the device without departing from the true spirit of the scope of the invention herein involved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter in this disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative, not in a limiting sense.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a Rainbank 1 attached to the side of a structure 106, such as a residential dwelling, and placed below the downspout of a gutter system 20 shown to extend approximately halfway into the Rainbank 1 and the bag 10 within a rigid structure 50. The Rainbank 1 is part of a Rainbank system 100 and can be installed on a plurality of gutter downspouts of residential and commercial properties as shown in FIG. 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, four Rainbanks 1′, and 1″, 1′″, and 1″″ as part of the system 100 are connected to four corners of a structure 106 such as a residential dwelling. Water falls on the roof and flows down 130 to the gutter system 110 that ultimately directs 131, 132 water to the downspouts and into the Rainbanks 1. Water is then stored in the Rainbank 1 as part of the Rainbank system 100 as shown in FIG. 3.

Returning to FIG. 3, generally the system includes a drain 2, such as a threaded spout, fixed 9 to a bottom portion of each bag 10. A hose 101, 103 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 10 is connected to the system 100 or a Rainbank 1 using a male-to-female interface and then used to distribute the collected water 72 as shown in FIG. 3 to desired distribution locations. While one type of drain and associated connector is described and shown, the use of any type of connector capable of watertight and rapid connection is contemplated. In the example shown in FIG. 10, water is directed around the end corners of the dwelling 106 via additional hoses 102, 104 ultimately to a main connector 105 for evacuation or use 135 as shown by arrows 133, and 134.

Even a minor storm event (0.25″ of rain) enables most households (with an average of 1,000 square feet of roof space) to harvest enough rainwater to fill three Rainbanks 1 in a single storm. In one contemplated embodiment, water is free to circulate via a hose system between different Rainbanks 1 connected serially as a system to allow the use of the water stored in all of the Rainbanks 1 from the outlet of any single Rainbank 1.

Case Study—Cook County Illinois

TABLE 1 Total Volume of Volume of Rainbanks Approx. No. of Water Retained in Rainbank Per Households in a Storm Event (gallons) Household Cook County (gallons) 59.06 1 2,000,000 118,120,000 59.06 2 2,000,000 236,240,000 59.06 3 2,000,000 354,360,000 59.06 4 2,000,000 472,480,000

The total volume of water retained in a storm event in the above table represents water that will not need treatment and may potentially reduce the need for sewage system expansion on the part of the municipality if the system is installed by municipal residents.

Not only does the Rainbank create a positive impact on the municipal treatment works and local environment, it also provides an opportunity for a local community service project. Organizations such as the Center for Green Technology (City of Chicago) support local service projects by allowing young adults to serve on “green teams” and earn money while helping the environment and their local community.

The present disclosure relates to a Rainbank system 100 placed around a structure 106 as shown in FIG. 10 with a gutter system 101 for the collection of rain water as shown by the arrows 130, 131, and 132. The gutter system includes at least two gutter downspout 20 (by way of example, four are shown on the structure 106 in FIG. 10) for collecting rainwater. In one configuration as shown, a Rainbank 1 is attached on each corner of the structure and are described with greater detail hereafter.

To use the Rainbank 1 as shown in FIG. 3 as part of the Rainbank system 100 shown at FIG. 10, some of the bags 10 of the Rainbanks 1′ and 11″″ must include two drains 2, a first for the entry of water, and the second for an exit of water. One possible type of connection of the different Rainbanks 1 as part of the Rainbank system 100 is shown, but the use of any configuration and number of connections between the different Rainbanks 1 to allow for the outflow of water from a first Rainbank to a second Rainbank and ultimately to the main connector 105 for evacuation or use 135 is contemplated. Further, while a main connector 105 is shown at a location distant from a Rainbank on FIG. 10, the use of any of the drains 2 on any of the Rainbanks as an evacuation outlet is contemplated.

FIG. 3 shows a Rainbank 1 with a bag 10, which bag is shown apart from the rigid support 50 in FIG. 9. The bag 10 is nested in a rigid support 50. The bag 10 includes a gutter opening 84, and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9. Returning to FIG. 4, the opening 8 in the structure 50 is blocked by a debris mesh 71 made of, for example, wire. In another embodiment, the opening 84 (not shown) is blocked by a debris mesh 71 to prevent the entry into the bag 10 of leaves and other solid debris. The bag 10 also includes an overflow opening 14 where water 72 is able to exit the bag 10 and ultimately the Rainbank 1 if it fills above the overflow opening level 14. Further, the bag 10 can be made of plastic, plasticized tissue, or any impermeable material that retains water. The bag 10 also includes at least one drain opening 9 with a spout 2. In one embodiment, the spout 2 is threaded to receive an ordinary garden hose for rapid connection of the Rainbank 1 into a Rainbank system 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, the opening 8 may be adjacent to the gutter opening 84. In an alternate embodiment, a support board 30 can be used to rigidify the structure. If placed or slid 83 into a board holder pocket 93, the soft structure of the bag 10 can be given self-sustaining properties. In another embodiment, the support board 30 is replaced by a stronger external rigid support structure 50 and the bag 10 includes a top surface 13 with support fixtures 12 that can be attached to the external rigid support structure 50. As shown, the use of both the support fixtures 12 and the board 30 is also contemplated based on the needed structural rigidity needed in the system.

The rigid support structure 50 of the Rainbank 1 is shown in an operative configuration in FIG. 8A and an inoperative configuration in FIG. 8B. The rigid support structure 50 is a simple, easy-to-manufacture shell that serves to support the bag 10 and offers the bag 10 protection and structural support in addition to any support board 30. In one embodiment, the rigid structure 50 includes first panels made of three segments 7A, 7B, and 7C with a support portion 7A for fixation to a structure 106 such as a residential dwelling as shown in FIG. 10. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 8A, the fixation means is a bolt 75, 76, 79. While one type of fixation is shown, any method of fixation or support known in the art is contemplated, including but not limited to a sliding clip, a clip, a plate, a screw, a magnet, or a biasing element.

FIG. 3 shows a rigid support structure 50 with a first panel with a top portion 7B with a gutter opening 8 in the central portion of the top portion 7B, and where the top portion 7B is pivotally attached to an upper end of the support portion 7A, and a flap portion 7C with a closure means 11A, 11B is pivotally attached to the top portion 7B. The first panel is shown as three adjacent folded boards 7A, 7B, 7C, forming a flap 7C back over a portion of the second panel. In one embodiment, Velcro (not shown) may be used to close the flap 7C, and in another embodiment, a system of openings 11A and a rod 73, when used in association with a lock 98 to close the structure 50 over the bag 10, secure access to the bag 10. FIG. 3 also illustrates an embodiment where the opening 11A can be used alongside hooks 11B to maintain the flap 7C in an upwards position while a bag 10 is removed or accessed for cleaning. While one type of fixation means is shown, any type of closing mechanism is contemplated, including but not limited to a tab, a lock, a bar, hooks, a weight placed in the end portion of the flap 7C, or adhesives.

One advantage of the currently disclosed rigid structure 50 is the capacity to use weak materials that might normally bend under the weight of the bag 10 once filled with water as part of the structure 50 absent the support board 30. For example, the first panel may be constructed of a material capable of folding or having built-in edges. While the term “rigid structure” is used within the scope of this disclosure, the term is used to contrast with the flexible nature of the bag 10 and does not imply that the materials forming this structure are the only rigid elements or are incapable of bending. One advantage of the Rainbank 1 is the capacity to use simple materials to manufacture large quantities of the Rainbank 1 on a large scale for city-wide implementation.

In yet another embodiment, a filter, such as a filter bag 21 as shown in FIG. 5, can be attached to the end 22 of the downspout 20. The filter bag 21 must be removed and cleaned periodically. The rigid structure 50 is further made of a second panel 5, 6 pivotally attached to a lower end of the support portion 7A, the second panel includes a ground panel 5 and a face panel 6 where the face panel 6 may be attached via a closure means of the flap portion 7C. FIG. 8A shows how hinges 78, 74 may be used to pivotally attach the second panel 7A, 7B, 7C to the first panel or how the face panel 6 is attached to the ground panel 5. As shown in FIG. 8A, a first end of the ground panel next to the hinge 78 is pivotally attached via hinges 78 to the lower end of the support portion 7A, and the face panel 6 is pivotally attached to the ground panel 5 via hinges 74.

The structure 50 can then be folded as shown in FIG. 8B in an inoperative configuration. In a subsequent step, the portions 7B and 7A, for example, can be folded back onto the ground plate 5 as shown by the arrow. While one configuration of attachment of the different elements of the structure 50 and the associated folded configuration using hinges and fold lines is shown, the use of any foldable structure using a configuration of segments and portions to create a shell around a removable flexible bag 10 is contemplated and disclosed. The structure 50 may then be removed from the wall 106 or placed in a storage configuration. The use of sliding panels and lock elements as part of the structure to form the rigid shell is also disclosed.

The face panel 6 may also includes a drain opening 95 aligned with the overflow opening 14 for the evacuation of rainwater overflow. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the bag 10 includes a drain outlet 17 connected to the overflow opening 17 with an exit 4, wherein the drain outlet 17 is either attached or left to rest against the face panel 6 and at least a portion of the ground panel 5. The distant drain outlet 17 is offset from the bag 10 using a surface on the ground panel 5 is used to distribute water away from the base of the Rainbank 1. Other configurations are contemplated, such as the release of water 4 directly at the overflow opening using a spout (not shown).

A support 30 is used to rigidify the rain storage unit 1 adjacent to the back support 7A for attachment to a structure such as a house having a roof and a gutter with a downspout. FIG. 7 shows one possible embodiment where a large, 8′ by 4′ plank of ¾ inch plywood 31 is cut into four equal parts as shown by the dashed lines 32 to create four individual supports 30, each to be inserted into one of the Rainbanks 1 situated around a dwelling 106. Advantages of this industrial solution include the simplicity of storage of flat components and the associated reduced storage and supply cost.

In yet another contemplated embodiment, instead of placing a support 30 next to the dwelling, the unit 1 and the upper portion of the back portion 7A can be bolted to the side of the structure. In still another embodiment, the unit 1 includes a self-standing structure that can be rested against the structure.

Within the concept is the use of standard board sizes available at any lumber yard. Four support boards can be cut from a standard 8′×4′ CDX plywood board. The Rainbank 1 is made of a flexible, weather-resistant material that allows it to maintain a low profile when empty. The Rainbank 1 is compact and easy to store and ship to individual property owners or storage facilities where residents can take delivery. The Rainbank 1 is also lightweight and easy to uninstall for long-term storage during colder months. The Rainbank 1 is fitted with a standard ¾″ garden hose thread on each side, enabling the owner to connect several Rainbanks in series, providing access to the “banked” rainwater as needed. The Rainbank can be provided with a filter that attaches to the downspout to collect debris and separate other contaminants, such as oil, from the rainwater as shown in FIG. 3. The Rainbank 1 can also be fitted with a mesh screen to prevent the propagation of mosquito larva. (Some municipalities may also require additional mosquito treatments.)

While the use of only a prefilter is shown in FIG. 5, the use of a prefilter, a post-filter, or a fabric filter capable of removing from the water nanoparticles, oils, or any other debris is contemplated. In yet another embodiment, a permeable bottom can be used to slowly leak water into the ground, eventually infiltrating the water table. Finally, the use of removable and recyclable bags in lieu of bags requiring cleaning and maintenance is contemplated.

The current best mode of operation of the Rainbank 1 is shown at FIG. 9 where the Rainbank 1 does not have a rigid structure 50 but is simply a bag 10 installed against a structure 106 where only a support board 30 inserted into a bag holder pocket 93. The Rainbank 1, includes a bag 10 with an opening 84 for a downspout 20 and a flap 7A, 7B with a closure means 11 A, an overflow opening 14, a drain opening 9 with a spout 2, a fixation system 12 for fixation to a structure such as 106, and a board holder 93 for holding a support board 30, and wherein the board holder 93 is a pocket attached to the bag 10. In another embodiment, the opening 84 includes a debris mesh 71.

It is understood that the preceding description is merely a detailed description of some examples and embodiments of the present invention and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the invention but to provide sufficient disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention without undue burden. 

1. A Rainbank, comprising a bag with an opening for a downspout and a flap with a closure means, an overflow opening, a drain opening with a spout, a fixation system for fixation to a structure, and a board holder for holding a support board, and wherein the board holder is a pocket attached to the bag.
 2. The Rainbank of claim 1, wherein the opening includes a debris mesh.
 3. The Rainbank of claim 1, wherein the spout is a threaded spout.
 4. The Rainbank of claim 1, wherein the bag further includes a drain outlet connected to the overflow opening with an exit, and wherein the drain outlet is guided by gravitational placement to the ground.
 5. The Rainbank of claim 1, wherein the closure means is a lock.
 6. A Rainbank, comprising: a rigid support with a first panel having a support portion for fixation to a structure, a top portion with a gutter opening, the top portion pivotally attached to an upper end of the support portion, and a flap portion with a closure means pivotally attached to the top portion, a second panel pivotally attached to a lower end of the support portion, the second panel including a ground panel and a face panel for attachment to the closure means of the flap portion, and a bag within the rigid support with an opening, an overflow opening, and a drain opening with a spout, and wherein the opening is adjacent to the gutter opening.
 7. The Rainbank of claim 6, wherein a first end of the ground panel is pivotally attached to the lower end of the support portion, and wherein the face panel is pivotally attached to the ground panel.
 8. The Rainbank of claim 6, wherein the bag further comprises a board holder for holding a support board.
 9. The Rainbank of claim 3, wherein the board holder is a pocket attached to the bag.
 10. The Rainbank of claim 6, wherein the gutter opening includes a debris mesh.
 11. The Rainbank of claim 6, wherein the spout is a threaded spout.
 12. The Rainbank of claim 6, wherein the face panel includes a drain opening aligned with the overflow opening for the evacuation of a rainwater overflow.
 13. A collapsible support for a Rainbank, the support comprising: a first panel having a support portion for fixation to a structure, a top portion with a gutter opening, the top portion pivotally attached to an upper end of the support portion, and a flap portion with a closure means pivotally attached to the top portion; and a second panel pivotally attached to a lower end of the support portion, the second panel including a ground panel and a face panel for attachment to the closure means of the flap portion, wherein the support is collapsed from an operative configuration to an inoperative configuration by pivoting the ground panel in relation to the support portion so that both the ground panel and the support portion are substantially aligned.
 14. The collapsible support for a Rainbank of claim 13, wherein the support is further collapsed into the inoperative position by pivoting the top portion over the ground panel.
 15. The collapsible support for a Rainbank of claim 13, wherein the closure means is a side clip.
 16. A Rainbank system, comprising: a structure with a gutter system for the collection of rain water, wherein the gutter system includes at least two gutters for collecting the downpour of rainwater, a Rainbank at each of the at least two gutters, wherein each Rainbank comprises a rigid support with a first panel having a support portion for fixation to a structure, a top portion with a gutter opening, the top portion pivotally attached to an upper end of the support portion, and a flap portion with a closure means pivotally attached to the top portion, a second panel pivotally attached to a lower end of the support portion, the second panel including a ground panel and a face panel for attachment to the closure means of the flap portion, and a bag within the rigid support with an opening, an overflow opening, and at least a drain opening with a spout, and wherein the opening is adjacent to the gutter opening, at least one hose connected to the drain to at least two of the Rainbanks for distribution of water collected from the roof in the Rainbanks, and at least a main connector for evacuation of rainwater in the Rainbanks.
 17. The Rainbank system of claim 16, wherein a first end of the ground panel of each Rainbank is pivotally attached to the lower end of the support portion, and wherein the face panel of each Rainbank is pivotally attached to the ground panel.
 18. The Rainbank system of claim 16, wherein each bag further comprises a board holder for holding a support board.
 19. The Rainbank system of claim 18, wherein the board holder is a pocket attached to the bag.
 20. The Rainbank system of claim 18, wherein the support board is a different segment of a single panel. 